Sport

England squad profiles

Joe Hart (Manchester City) - England's number one deserves immense credit for the way he bounced back after being dropped last autumn.

Ben Foster (West Brom) - Is yet to rediscover the form he enjoyed prior to his injury, but is still England's best back-up to Hart.

Fraser Forster (Celtic) - Beat John Ruddy and Jack Butland to the final goalkeeper's spot after a fine season north of the border.

DEFENDERS

Glen Johnson (Liverpool) - Injury to Kyle Walker leaves Johnson, who has played well since his return to fitness, as England's undisputed first-choice right-back.

Leighton Baines (Everton) - Has enjoyed a superb season with Everton. Deservedly now first-choice for his country too.

Luke Shaw (Southampton) - The precociously-talented teenager picked ahead of his boyhood idol Ashley Cole after a fine season for Saints.

Phil Jagielka (Everton) - One of the main reasons behind Everton's push for Champions League football this year. Solid and calm under pressure.

Gary Cahill (Chelsea) - Has been so good this year that he has outshone John Terry and kept Barcelona target David Luiz out of the Chelsea team.

Phil Jones (Manchester United) - Fit to be selected despite a shoulder injury, according to Ryan Giggs. Versatility ensures his selection despite poor year at club level.

Chris Smalling (Manchester United) - Not in the greatest form but has always been in Roy Hodgson's thoughts. His versatility no doubt helped.

MIDFIELDERS

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal) - Has been struggling with injury of late, but showed how dangerous he can be with his goal against Brazil in the Maracana last June.

Jack Wilshere (Arsenal) - Another stop-start season due to injuries. Still one of the most talented players this country has produced for a long time though.

Frank Lampard (Chelsea) - The best years are behind the midfielder yet the 35-year-old has an important role to play in South America.

Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) - England's leader in battle. The skipper has adapted well to a deeper role which allows him to dictate the tempo of the game and spray dangerous through-balls.

Jordan Henderson (Liverpool) - Some would have gone into their shell after being mocked for their running style, but Sir Alex Ferguson's jibe has only spurred the midfielder on to produce the best form of his career.

Ross Barkley (Everton) - A supremely talented midfielder capable of scoring stunning goals as Newcastle and Manchester City found out to their cost.

James Milner (Manchester City) - Mr Versatile of the England squad, he works tirelessly and is diligent in his approach. Could do with more goals.

Raheem Sterling (Liverpool) - The answer to Hodgson's attacking prayers following Theo Walcott's knee injury. Has improved wonderfully this term and has pace to burn.

Adam Lallana (Southampton) - Nominated for the Professional Footballers Association Player of the Year award for his wonderful campaign at Saints, he has also impressed in an England shirt. A starting berth in Brazil is a distinct possibility.

FORWARDS

Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) - England's biggest threat. A certain starter if, as expected, he recovers from a groin problem. Can he finally score his first World Cup goal at his third tournament?

Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool) - Responsible for a fifth of Liverpool's goals this term. In the best form of his career domestically. Now needs to produce the goods on the international stage.

Danny Welbeck (Manchester United) - The injury to Jay Rodriguez rubbed-stamped the Manchester United attacker's place. Direct style of play and decent finisher.

Rickie Lambert (Southampton) - Not just a target man, the 32-year-old has provided 10 assists as well as scoring 13 this season. This is the latest chapter in his remarkable journey from the lower leagues.